Governor Cuomo Signs Toughest Gun Law in the Nation

New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Applauds Passage of New Law Making New York’s Gun Laws the Toughest in the Nation

Bipartisan and Comprehensive Legislation Will Reduce Threat of Gun Violence

New York, New York –January 15th was a proud day for all New Yorkers. With wide bipartisan agreement, New York has passed the New York SAFE Act of 2013 – one of the most comprehensive bills in the nation aimed at reducing needless gun injuries and death. Provisions of this bill will be a model for states across the country as well as the federal government.

The NY SAFE Act of 2013 will ensure the safety of New York families and communities for many years. It contains important changes to keep guns out of the wrong hands. “We at New Yorkers Against Gun Violence are proud to have worked with Governor Cuomo on this historic legislation and to have joined with Leadership and Members from the Senate and Assembly as the Governor signed it into law. We congratulate the Governor and legislators for their courage and leadership in making New York State gun laws the strongest in the nation,” said Jackie Hilly, Executive Director.

“This comprehensive package will help save innocent lives like those of the children in Sandy Hook, the first responders in Webster Lake, and New Yorkers who each day are killed and injured by guns. As a New Yorker, a mother and someone who lost her brother to gun violence, I thank the Governor and the leaders of the Senate and Assembly for passing this legislation so quickly,” said Leah Gunn Barrett, a board member of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence.
Major provisions of the NY SAFE Act of 2012 will:

Require universal background checks: Every sale of a gun in New York will now require a background check of the purchaser. Strengthen the assault weapons ban: New York’s current state assault weapons ban will be strengthened by making it a one-feature test. Assault weapons possessed before the effective date of the new law must be registered and owners must submit to a background check.

Ban high capacity ammunition magazines: New York is now the first state in the nation to completely ban any high capacity ammunition magazine that can hold over 7 rounds.

Make pistol permits renewable: The new law require 5-year re-certification of pistol permits for those counties in New York that currently issue lifetime permits.

Regulate ammunition sales: Provide a comprehensive system to regulate ammunition sales including banning direct online ammunition sales, tracking ammunition amounts to alert law enforcement to large purchases, and mandating background checks for all ammunition purchases.

Increase penalties for gun crimes: Increase penalties when guns are used in crime.

Keep guns out of the hands of prohibited gun purchasers: The new law will strengthen the state’s ability to keep guns out of the hands of those with dangerous mental illness.

Since 1993, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence has been advocating for common sense policies, including banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines and improving the background check system, to reduce the incidence of gun violence in New York’s communities.

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